CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 29^th, 2022) - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Neil Roberts as Director of Soccer. Roberts will lead and represent the technical Directors and serve as a club official with leagues and affiliates. He aims to be an inclusive leader and will focus on communication, collaboration, and accountability throughout the club programs. As Roberts steps into his new role, he has identified three areas of emphasis charged to the coaching staff which are preparation, communication, and relationship building. While the club is formed by many surrounding communities, we are bound together by our crest and values. Roberts’ has demonstrated his alignment with the club development and strategic planning efforts as well as the guiding principles.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Coach Neil for many years in various positions. His diverse experience and demonstrated success is ideal for the responsibilities of the newly-established Director of Soccer! Neil has excellent communication skills and a positive approach to problem-solving. His leadership skills are of the highest level and will serve the DOCs, Coaching Directors and Staff, as we integrate, strengthen, and develop as a club.”, said Chief Executive Officer Thomas Finlay.

Roberts’ ability to lead and communicate goes back to previous roles he has held. He was the North Mecklenburg High School Girls Soccer Head Coach before coming to the Independence. His attention to detail and strategic development of the girls’ soccer program led to accolades which included: NCHSAA State Champions, 4X MECA Conference Champions, NCHSAA West Region Finalist, 5X NCHSAA State Playoffs, and 3X MECA Girls Soccer Coach of the Year. 

His accomplishments continued to compile when he was the UNC Charlotte Women’s Soccer Head Coach for six years. Here he was awarded NSCAA Southeast Regional Coach of the Year, Conference USA Coach of the Year, led his team to Conference USA Regular Season Champions, a National Top 25 team (2002), and most wins in a single season with a record of 16-2-2. 

“I am super excited to be moving into the role of Director of Soccer at Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. For over 20 years, I have watched this club grow under the impressive leadership of Thomas Finlay and his TEAM”, said Neil Roberts. “I am proud to move into this position with an opportunity to support even more growth. It is important to me that we grow in the right way, and we focus on providing a quality experience for our members. I am passionate about working closely with our Directors in a role that supports them in their efforts to provide a soccer environment that is second to none."

Roberts’s commitment and competitive edge for the game has shown at every opportunity he has been given. As Head Coach for the Women’s Soccer team at East Carolina University, he won Colonial Athletic Association Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year, achieved best overall record and winning percentage in school history, most wins in 5-year school’s history, 7 players named All-CAA Women’s Soccer Team, and 4X Appearance in Southeast Region Top 10. When he was the Head Coach for the Men’s Soccer team at Mount Olive College, Roberts was named Carolinas Conference Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year, led team to first winning season, best single season record, and one player named to NSCAA South Region All-American. 

While Roberts has an extensive successful coaching history, his commitment in youth education is worth noting. He has been teaching Health and Physical Education for 9 years at Northwest School of the Arts, taught Health and Physical Education for 8 years at North Mecklenburg High School, and continued as Professor and Lecturer at the college level. The diversity of skillsets accumulated in his other workplaces will serve in the guidance and ultimate success of this new role. 

Roberts graduated from The University of Delaware where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health Education. His commitment to education continued as he attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he earned a Master of Arts in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sports Psychology. Roberts is married to his wife Kelly for 32 years where they have 3 kids Tyle (28), Tanner (25), and Jake (17).